First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching a YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner will remain connected to the competing circuit but needs more family time. This friendly agreement was stated officially by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitor motivated by top-level challenges, which he found limited at LIV. He originally joined in 2022 fearing his career might be ending due to injuries and to secure a solid retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the final contract year is not surprising, though questions remain about potential buyouts or refunds. At 35, he remains the owner of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculations arise about which tours Koepka will play next: DP World Tour, where he would likely be eligible immediately although possibly with penalties, or the PGA Tour where he must serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV event following softened lifetime bans imposed by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. Why be vindictive when returning LIV players benefit the dominant tour? This question seems partially answered as ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reports Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA membership and rejoin the player ranks.
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The potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale Tour Championship from August 27-30, making Koepka eligible to compete fully in 2027 when PGA Tour compresses its schedule to around two dozen $20 million tournaments featuring limited, top player fields—the perfect comeback timing for Koepka. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would appreciate another major star joining the new elite league.
Jon Rahm recently said on the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He might need some time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour. He’ll probably at least play a minimum schedule, maybe the tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies or gets into high-profile events, he would play those too.\” Possibly, the PGA might show leniency toward the five-time major champion; the decision involves the board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee, with Rory McIlroy recommending Koepka’s immediate return. Fans mostly agree, according to a non-representative \”Bunkered\” magazine survey.
Update: The theory held true: Koepka is now immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is also confirmed. This was enabled by the newly introduced \”Returning Member Program\” allowing certain LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension.
DeChambeau Confirms LIV Return in 2026
Bryson DeChambeau officially confirms his participation in the LIV Golf League